Faces of Collins

These individuals have helped to create iconic success for Australia's navy

The Collins-class submarine program has become an icon of Australian naval history.

These are some of Raytheon Australia highly trained team of local engineers, technicians, program managers and inventory leads, who have helped create that success:

Ted Curr – Collins Systems Support Facility (CSSF) Project Engineer

Share with us some of the critical roles you’ve occupied on the program.

Many of my roles have been critical. They’ve included providing contractor support for the Combat System as it was delivered to the customer, and overseeing installation of the Combat System on the second and third subs. In addition, I have worked on the design and installation of new versions of the Combat System as required.

Does your job give you a buzz?

Absolutely! I get a real sense of achievement from knowing I’m helping to design compelling, yet customer compliant, Combat System installation solutions. It’s a unique job.

Stephanie Eisner – Senior Submarine Maintenance Technician

How have you contributed to the Collins program?

My role is typically very hands-on. Everything from maintaining the combat and communications systems, right through to building and installing the Combat System and associated subsystems.

This includes assisting with an upgrade from the Legacy Combat System to the latest TI-10 Combat System on HMAS RANKIN, and sharing my build and commissioning knowledge with the maintenance team responsible for mid-cycle docking activities on HMAS DECHAINEUX.

My role is integral to ensuring the Collins program stays on track. There is quite a bit involved. I monitor safety within our work environment, act as chief liaison for communications and EW enquiries, and ensure activities are accurately recorded within appropriate reporting schedules. Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeking to enhance individual and team efficiency by removing the roadblocks!

Why is your role so critical to the program success?

In a nutshell, it’s the responsibility of the IPT to keep the communications and EW systems safe, available and mission ready. Submarines are an extremely dynamic and complex environment and the planned day-to-day activities can change rapidly in-line with the customer’s priorities. My role is to ensure the team is able to successfully complete their activities in the timeframes required.

Andrea Bentley – Inventory Management Team Lead

What starring role do you play on Collins?

I’m part of a team that represents Raytheon Australia to the Australian Government. It is our responsibility to compile an annual Inventory Investment Plan (IIP) - essentially, a list of what equipment will be required to keep the submarines operating in future.

Will Daly – Principle Engineer on Collins In-Service Support (CISS) Tactical & Weapon Control (T&WC) Integrated Program Team (IPT)

Your role sounds technical! Can you break it down for us?

Yes it is quite technical, but I can try! (laughs). T&WC IPT manages the T&WC System in-service and developmental baselines. We assist the Collins Submarine Program Office and the AN-BYG-1 Joint Project Office (JPO) to develop, integrate and support each AN/BYG-1 hardware, Technical Insert (TI) and software Advanced Processor Build (APB) Spiral.

The subs receive a new TI/APB spiral every four years with the TI-XX number representing the year the hardware was developed. I chair the TI-14 ILS IPT that brings together all AN/BYG-1 Royal Australian Navy stakeholders. It’s a convoluted but fascinating process, to say the least.

What advice can you offer for running a successful project team?

The best advice I can offer is to pick up the phone and speak to people even when the urge to email may take over. Also, understand the power of data. Make it accurate, consistent and accessible, but most importantly start using it – after all, data is what sustainment is all about.